In this short presentation, I look at the core elements of Igbo folktales and how they can be recreated in contemporary picture books.  

HANDOUT

Four Essential Components of Igbo Folktales

1. Structure: 4 parts: Beginning, Conflicting Action, Resolution/End and Moral Lesson
2. Characters: Flat or One-dimensional.
3. Refrain: Recited or Sung for audience participation, entertainment, emphasis.
4. Moral Lesson: Like biblical parables, they encourage good behaviour and decry bad behaviour.

WORKS CITED

Donaldson,  Julia, and Axel Scheffler. Room on the Broom. Puffin Books, 2003.

Donaldson,  Julia, and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo. Puffin Books, 2006.

Ewata, Thompson Olusegun, Titilade Adefunke Oyebade, and Inya Onwu. “Generic Structure Potential of Some Nigerian Folktales.” International Journal of English Language and Linguistics Research, 2018, 6 (2) 73 – 87.

Herumun, Wendy. “The Issue of Authenticity in Children’s Literature As It Relates to Folktales: How Should the Story be Told?” Critical Thesis, Summer/Fall 2001. Vermont College of Fine Arts Commons.

Mora, Oge. Saturday. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2019.

Mora, Oge. Thank You, Omu. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2018.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.